*Updated 8/3/2015
The media will incorrectly talk about their lack of sure fire NBA talent, often questioning if Roy Williams and UNC has the ability to recruit the one and done player needed to win, especially with a lingering NCAA investigation. The talent is already in Chapel Hill, there's depth at almost every position on this Tar Heel team.
The front-court is stocked full of players with the ability to rebound and attack the rim. With Meeks, Johnson, Hicks, and James UNC has the combination of size and athleticism needed to dominate their opponent on any given night.
The back-court developed during the 2014-15 season. UNC came in with one threat from beyond the three point arc and left the season with three, possibly four. The development of Justin Jackson and Joel Berryalong with the ability of J.P. Tokoto to knock down the open three ball will help spread the floor for the Tar Heels in the upcoming season.
Depending on the decision of Brandom Ingram North Carolina will enter the 2015-16 season with the same core roster as the previous year. A question mark still remains at shoo
ting guard, something that has been an issue in Chapel Hill since the season long suspension and subsequent departure of PJ Hairston. UNC will have options with their roster slots even if Ingram decides
to play his basketball somewhere else.
The development of Joel Berry could end up being the most important story line for the upcoming season. If Berry is able to play a large chunk of minutes at the point, Paige could slide over to shooting guard, filling the largest void for the team. As the 2014-15 season progressed Berry started to surpass Nate Britt on the UNC point guard depth chart, gaining valuable game experience and confidence.
Early in the Carolina off-season rumors started to swirl about the possibility of a Nate Britt transfer from Chapel Hill. Understandable, considering it became apparent Roy Williams began to prefer Freshman Joel Berry over Britt as the season progressed. While some UNC fans may feel the departure of Britt isn't a huge blow, as Berry has emerged, Britt provides the perimeter depth needed for a deep Tar Heel run come March.
While I would never tell a young man what to do with his own life, I can't imagine playing a key role on an NCAA championship caliber UNC team would hurt Britt's professional aspirations. If he is able and willing to buy into the team goal of winning a national championship Britt will be rewarded with all of the attention and acclaim that comes with doing so.
Injury would rob Theo Pinson of valuable game experience during the 2014-15 season, leaving the Carolina faithful unsure of what to expect from the young man for the 2015-16 season. Theo will need to develop his perimeter shooting to compliment his athletic ability and toughness. If there's one player on the UNC roster who's court toughness doesn't need to be questioned it may very well be Pinson.
UNC has all of the pieces in place for a National Championship run. Whether they can make the leap in 2015-16 will depend on their ability to eliminate the inconsistent play they exhibited for much of this past season. Poor shot selection as well as intensity and effort for a full 40 minutes must be worked on this offseason for Carolina to take the next step.
Departing Players
Luke Davis
Jackson Simmons
Desmond Hubert
JP Tokoto
Returning Players
Marcus Paige (SR) - Fighting through a foot injury for most of his Junior year Marcus Paige didn't live up to preseason projections. Living up to his reputation from his Sophomore season Paige would turn up his scoring numbers in the second half of games.
Strengths
J.P. Tokoto (SR) - Athleticism exemplified by highlight real plays perfectly describes the game of Tokoto. Has the ability to make the spectacular play, sometimes leads to unnecessary mistakes. Easily the most exciting Carolina player to watch, can be most frustrating at times, especially during "winning time". Improved three point shooting as he finished the year shooting 37.5% from beyond
the arc.
Strengths
Needs Improvement
Brice Johnson (SR)- BJ showed off his athleticism and length throughout much of the 2014-15 season. At times he was able to dominate the boards, especially on the offensive end. At his best he's attacking the rim, staying away from turnaround/fadeaway jump shots. Stretches can occur where his attempts are falling away from the basket rather than attacking the rim. Johnson's FT % has increased by roughly 5 percentage points each year he's been at UNC, if he can get it over 70% during the during the 2015-16 season from 68% this past year it would greatly increase Carolina's title chances.
Strengths
Kennedy Meeks (JR)- Meeks has developed into a low post power, developing his footwork and offensive arsenal since arriving on campus. Kennedy has always had tremendous hands for a big man, allowing him to make some difficult catches in the post. When his positioning is done prior to receiving the ball he is very hard to stop, almost automatic when the defender allows Meeks too close to the rim. Meeks will need to continue to keep off the weight he's lost while adding more muscle. Meeks managed to add 8 percentage points to his FT shooting this year, up to 64% from 58% the previous season.
Strengths
Justin Jackson (SO)- Through the first 19 games of the UNC season Jackson would have only 3 games where he hit at least 2 three point field goals. During the second half of the UNC season Jackson would double that output, tallying 6 games with at least 2 three point field goals. Jackson's ability to knock down the perimeter shot would helps spread the floor for Carolina while taking pressure off Paige. Justin will need to continue to add weight while working on his footwork on both the offensive and defensive ends.
Isaiah Hicks (JR)- Hicks minutes per game would double from 7 in 2013-14 to 14 in 2014-15 while his field goals would jump from 15 in 2013-14 to 99 this past season. Hicks shows flashes of his brilliance in transition and with put back dunks. Game experience will be key to the development of Hicks as he's been limited by the logjam of Carolina bigs his first two seasons in Chapel Hill.
Joel Berry (SO)- Berry would develop nicely as the 2014-15 season went on taking over the back up point guard role from Nate Britt showing the growing trust Roy Williams had in his Freshman point guard. With more time Berry appeared to gain confidence on the floor, knocking down the 3 point shot more consistently while allowing Marcus Paige to play off ball.
Theo Pinson (SO) - A foot injury during the 2014-15 season would slow the development of Pinson as his fellow Freshman gained valuable game experience. Pinson has the ability to slash and attack the rim against almost any perimeter defender. The lost time certainly affected the development of Theo's perimeter shot, something he will have to spend a majority of his time on this offseason.
Joel James (SR)- James adds depth to the UNC front count including an ability to known down the mid range jumper. Joel's Junior year numbers were comparable to his Freshman numbers; averaging close to 10 minutes, 2.5 points and 2 rebounds. If James could become the Carolina enforcer, throwing around his body when entering the game it would go a long way for a UNC team that lacked toughness throughout the 2014-15 season.
Nate Britt (JR)- Even with a decrease in minutes from his Freshman year to his Sophomore year Nate Britt would improve his 3 point field goal percentage from 25% to 36% attempting almost 2 per game during the 2014-15 season. The increase can be partially attributed to Britt's much talked about switching of his shooting hand during last offseason, as well as more game experience and confidence in the shot. As the season progressed Britt would lose minutes to Freshman Joel Berry, with rumors swirling he may consider transferring this offseason.
J.P. Tokoto (instant defense/rebounding/energy)
The media will incorrectly talk about their lack of sure fire NBA talent, often questioning if Roy Williams and UNC has the ability to recruit the one and done player needed to win, especially with a lingering NCAA investigation. The talent is already in Chapel Hill, there's depth at almost every position on this Tar Heel team.
The front-court is stocked full of players with the ability to rebound and attack the rim. With Meeks, Johnson, Hicks, and James UNC has the combination of size and athleticism needed to dominate their opponent on any given night.
The back-court developed during the 2014-15 season. UNC came in with one threat from beyond the three point arc and left the season with three, possibly four. The development of Justin Jackson and Joel Berry
The development of Joel Berry could end up being the most important story line for the upcoming season. If Berry is able to play a large chunk of minutes at the point, Paige could slide over to shooting guard, filling the largest void for the team. As the 2014-15 season progressed Berry started to surpass Nate Britt on the UNC point guard depth chart, gaining valuable game experience and confidence.
Early in the Carolina off-season rumors started to swirl about the possibility of a Nate Britt transfer from Chapel Hill. Understandable, considering it became apparent Roy Williams began to prefer Freshman Joel Berry over Britt as the season progressed. While some UNC fans may feel the departure of Britt isn't a huge blow, as Berry has emerged, Britt provides the perimeter depth needed for a deep Tar Heel run come March.
While I would never tell a young man what to do with his own life, I can't imagine playing a key role on an NCAA championship caliber UNC team would hurt Britt's professional aspirations. If he is able and willing to buy into the team goal of winning a national championship Britt will be rewarded with all of the attention and acclaim that comes with doing so.
Injury would rob Theo Pinson of valuable game experience during the 2014-15 season, leaving the Carolina faithful unsure of what to expect from the young man for the 2015-16 season. Theo will need to develop his perimeter shooting to compliment his athletic ability and toughness. If there's one player on the UNC roster who's court toughness doesn't need to be questioned it may very well be Pinson.
UNC has all of the pieces in place for a National Championship run. Whether they can make the leap in 2015-16 will depend on their ability to eliminate the inconsistent play they exhibited for much of this past season. Poor shot selection as well as intensity and effort for a full 40 minutes must be worked on this offseason for Carolina to take the next step.
Departing Players
Luke Davis
Jackson Simmons
Desmond Hubert
JP Tokoto
Returning Players
Marcus Paige (SR) - Fighting through a foot injury for most of his Junior year Marcus Paige didn't live up to preseason projections. Living up to his reputation from his Sophomore season Paige would turn up his scoring numbers in the second half of games.Strengths
- Ability to take over game late
- Outside shooting
- Free throw shooting
- Slashing/ability to attack rim from perimeter
Needs Improvement
- On ball defense
- Leadership
- Aggressiveness, especially early on
- Pull up jumper
- Killer instinct
AthleticismReboundingAbility to get to rimOutside shot
Free throw shootingMid-range jump shotDecision MakingLeadershipKiller instinct
Brice Johnson (SR)- BJ showed off his athleticism and length throughout much of the 2014-15 season. At times he was able to dominate the boards, especially on the offensive end. At his best he's attacking the rim, staying away from turnaround/fadeaway jump shots. Stretches can occur where his attempts are falling away from the basket rather than attacking the rim. Johnson's FT % has increased by roughly 5 percentage points each year he's been at UNC, if he can get it over 70% during the during the 2015-16 season from 68% this past year it would greatly increase Carolina's title chances.Strengths
- Rebounding
- Finishing at rim
- Transition offense
Needs Improvement
- Shot selection
- Focus
- Killer instinct
- Passing out of double team
- Finishing through contact
Kennedy Meeks (JR)- Meeks has developed into a low post power, developing his footwork and offensive arsenal since arriving on campus. Kennedy has always had tremendous hands for a big man, allowing him to make some difficult catches in the post. When his positioning is done prior to receiving the ball he is very hard to stop, almost automatic when the defender allows Meeks too close to the rim. Meeks will need to continue to keep off the weight he's lost while adding more muscle. Meeks managed to add 8 percentage points to his FT shooting this year, up to 64% from 58% the previous season.Strengths
- Post presence in half court offense
- Soft touch
- Ability to finish at rim
- Rebounding
- Finishing through contact
Needs Improvement
- Transition offense
- Ability to stay on floor (conditioning/foul trouble)
- Focus/Intensity
Justin Jackson (SO)- Through the first 19 games of the UNC season Jackson would have only 3 games where he hit at least 2 three point field goals. During the second half of the UNC season Jackson would double that output, tallying 6 games with at least 2 three point field goals. Jackson's ability to knock down the perimeter shot would helps spread the floor for Carolina while taking pressure off Paige. Justin will need to continue to add weight while working on his footwork on both the offensive and defensive ends.
Strengths
- Perimeter shooting
- Rebounding
- Transition offense
Needs Improvement
- Strength
- Defensive footwork
- Post moves
- Ability to attack rim
- Ball handling
Isaiah Hicks (JR)- Hicks minutes per game would double from 7 in 2013-14 to 14 in 2014-15 while his field goals would jump from 15 in 2013-14 to 99 this past season. Hicks shows flashes of his brilliance in transition and with put back dunks. Game experience will be key to the development of Hicks as he's been limited by the logjam of Carolina bigs his first two seasons in Chapel Hill.
Strengths
- Transition offense
- Offensive rebounding
Needs Improvement
- Defensive footwork
- Game awareness
- Ability to attack rim
- Blocking out opponent
- Post moves
- Free throws
Joel Berry (SO)- Berry would develop nicely as the 2014-15 season went on taking over the back up point guard role from Nate Britt showing the growing trust Roy Williams had in his Freshman point guard. With more time Berry appeared to gain confidence on the floor, knocking down the 3 point shot more consistently while allowing Marcus Paige to play off ball.
Strengths
- Ball handling
- Transition offense
- Attacking rim
Needs Improvement
- Decision making
- Perimeter shooting
- Shot creation
- Man defense
- Leadership
Theo Pinson (SO) - A foot injury during the 2014-15 season would slow the development of Pinson as his fellow Freshman gained valuable game experience. Pinson has the ability to slash and attack the rim against almost any perimeter defender. The lost time certainly affected the development of Theo's perimeter shot, something he will have to spend a majority of his time on this offseason.
Strengths
- Ability to attack rim
- On ball defense
- Tenacity
- Killer instinct
Needs Improvement
- Perimeter shooting
- Decision making
- Free throw shooting
- Situational basketball
Joel James (SR)- James adds depth to the UNC front count including an ability to known down the mid range jumper. Joel's Junior year numbers were comparable to his Freshman numbers; averaging close to 10 minutes, 2.5 points and 2 rebounds. If James could become the Carolina enforcer, throwing around his body when entering the game it would go a long way for a UNC team that lacked toughness throughout the 2014-15 season.
Strengths
- Mid range jumper
- Adds Depth
- Ability to protect rim
Needs Improvement
- Toughness
- Post moves
- Stamina
- Game awareness
Nate Britt (JR)- Even with a decrease in minutes from his Freshman year to his Sophomore year Nate Britt would improve his 3 point field goal percentage from 25% to 36% attempting almost 2 per game during the 2014-15 season. The increase can be partially attributed to Britt's much talked about switching of his shooting hand during last offseason, as well as more game experience and confidence in the shot. As the season progressed Britt would lose minutes to Freshman Joel Berry, with rumors swirling he may consider transferring this offseason.
Strengths
- Ball Handling
- Outside shooting
- Free throw shooting
Needs Improvement
- Decision making
- Toughness
- Consistency
- On ball defense
Ideal Starting Lineup
PG Joel Berry
SG Marcus Paige
SF Justin Jackson
PF Isaiah Hicks
C Kennedy Meeks
Expected Starting Lineup
PG Marcus Paige
SG Theo Pinson
SF Justin Jackson
PF Brice Johnson
C Kennedy Meeks
Expected Starting Lineup
PG Marcus Paige
SG Theo Pinson
SF Justin Jackson
PF Brice Johnson
C Kennedy Meeks
Reserves in order of importance
Brice Johnson (instant offense/rebounding/energy)
Theo Pinson (wild card, could end up with huge role for 2015-16 team)
Nate Britt (ability to give both Paige and Berry a breather)
Joel James (needs to become the enforcer inside for this UNC team)
Kenny Williams (perimeter shooter w/ability to spread floor)
Kenny Williams (perimeter shooter w/ability to spread floor)
While Roy has been known to stay loyal to upperclassmen in the past, barring any major development this offseason, it would be in UNC's best interest to have both J.P. Tokoto and Brice Johnson coming off the bench. Brice would add instant offense and rebounding, while playing close to starters minutes from a bench role would allow him time to regroup and avoid taking bad shots throughout contests.
The departure of Tokoto to the NBA lessons the Tar Heels athleticism while putting more importance on the development of Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson. While Tokoto was oft criticized for poor shot selection during his time in Chapel Hill, his ability to lock down his man on defense and get to the rim on offense will be missed.
The fact most major media outlets are still picking UNC top two in their preseason polls, even with the surprise departure of Tokoto shows the depth of the 2015-16 UNC roster. Halfway through 2014-15 season it became apparent the 2015-16 squad would be special if they could put everything together.
Major corrections still need to occur for UNC to reach their potential as a unit. If a leader can appear from this current group the stretches of poor shot selection and poor late game decision making should be minimized.
The talent is there, now we just have to wait and see if this team can do the small things needed during a championship run.
The departure of Tokoto to the NBA lessons the Tar Heels athleticism while putting more importance on the development of Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson. While Tokoto was oft criticized for poor shot selection during his time in Chapel Hill, his ability to lock down his man on defense and get to the rim on offense will be missed.
The fact most major media outlets are still picking UNC top two in their preseason polls, even with the surprise departure of Tokoto shows the depth of the 2015-16 UNC roster. Halfway through 2014-15 season it became apparent the 2015-16 squad would be special if they could put everything together.
Major corrections still need to occur for UNC to reach their potential as a unit. If a leader can appear from this current group the stretches of poor shot selection and poor late game decision making should be minimized.
The talent is there, now we just have to wait and see if this team can do the small things needed during a championship run.
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